California to be first US state that bans sale of dogs from puppy mills

California to be first US state that bans sale of dogs from puppy mills

California is about to become the first US state to ban the sale of dogs from puppy mills.

Under the new law, which comes into effect on the first of January next year, pet shops have to sell dogs, cats and rabbits primarily from shelters and animal rescue centres.

If pet shops are found to be selling an animal not of rescue origin, they can be fined up to $500 under this new rule.

Private breeders can still sell animals independently.

Governor Jerry Brown confirmed the new law on Friday.

California was already leading the way against puppy mills; 36 cities across the state including Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego have bans on mass breeding.

Centres which mass-breed puppies have been widely criticised for failing to prioritise animal welfare and for keeping animals in over-crowded pens, as well as over-breeding.

Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, told Business Insider: “This landmark law breaks the puppy mill supply chain that pushes puppies into California pet stores and has allowed unscrupulous breeders to profit from abusive practices.”

The Humane Society also supported the bill, claiming irresponsible breeding of animals results in over 1.5million euthanizes each year and that 99 per cent of puppy sales are from puppy mills.

Pet shops have spoken against the law, saying it will make it difficult for buyers to find specific breeds.

Original article from-http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/16/california-first-us-state-bans-sale-dogs-puppy-mills/